Imagine this: the vibrant nightlife of Melbourne, a city celebrated for its energy and excitement, seems to have turned into a shadow of its former self. This was the experience of singer Chappell Roan, who sought to transform the city's nightlife into her very own Pink Pony Club. However, on a Wednesday evening, she encountered a starkly different reality with only a few patrons present to join her in the festivities.
Chappell, a Grammy-winning artist, has arrived in Melbourne with much anticipation as she prepares to headline the Laneway Festival at Flemington racecourse this Friday. Her adventure began at the renowned Cherry Bar located in the heart of the city. Instead of opting for the exclusive VIP area, she chose to enjoy some “mocktails” alongside her team, fully engaging with the atmosphere around her.
According to Cherry Bar's owner, James Young, there were merely about 17 guests at the bar during that time. He described Chappell as “very modest, polite, and lovely,” noting that she didn’t seek to distance herself from the crowd. "I didn't take any pictures of her, as that would have been uncool," Young remarked, but he could share that she enjoyed a couple of refreshing mocktails while mingling freely.
"This is significant for us. We consider her to be one of the biggest artists in the world. She is just a regular person, and that is gold in our eyes," Young expressed. He also acknowledged the kindness of her crew, who showed strong support for Cherry Bar, which he appreciated immensely.
"I'm incredibly thankful to the Laneway Festival for helping to revive the struggling hospitality scene in Melbourne. The world needs more people out enjoying the streets," he added, highlighting the importance of community support during these challenging times.
Young, who was busy DJing when Chappell visited, shared his satisfaction in witnessing her embrace the local underground sounds of Australia. The Cherry Bar has a storied history of attracting famous faces, having welcomed music legends from Lady Gaga to Noel Gallagher, Mick Jagger, Axl Rose, Metallica, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. As a staunch advocate for the local arts and music scene, Young continues to champion the cultural heartbeat of Melbourne.
